Context:
• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified in the Lok Sabha that citizens are legally bound to disclose details during the Census, as mandated by the Census Act, 1948.
• The clarification comes ahead of the upcoming digital Census (2024–27 cycle), which will be India’s first digital Census and the first to enumerate caste in Independent India.
• The statement was given in a written reply by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, to a question raised by a Trinamool Congress MP.
Key Highlights:
Legal Mandate under Census Act, 1948
• Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948 obligates individuals to answer Census questions truthfully to the best of their knowledge and belief.
• Non-cooperation or refusal to provide information can attract legal consequences under the Act.
Digital Census and Caste Enumeration
• The upcoming Census will be fully digital, marking a shift from traditional paper-based enumeration.
• Caste enumeration will be conducted for the first time since Independence, making it a major social and policy milestone.
Administrative Process
• The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India (RGI) is finalizing the Census questionnaire.
• The finalized questionnaire will be notified through the Official Gazette, giving it legal validity.
• As per past practice, primary school teachers are expected to be appointed as enumerators during Census operations.
Significance of Caste Data
• Enables evidence-based policymaking.
• Helps address social inequalities, representation gaps, and welfare targeting.
• Strengthens data for affirmative action and social justice programmes.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Issue: Mandatory disclosure of personal and caste-related details in the Census.
• Causes: Legal obligation under the Census Act, 1948 and the need for comprehensive socio-economic data.
• Government Initiatives:
– Digital Census for efficiency and accuracy.
– Inclusion of caste enumeration for inclusive governance.
• Benefits:
– Reliable demographic and social data.
– Better targeting of welfare schemes.
– Improved planning and governance.
• Challenges:
– Privacy and data security concerns.
– Administrative capacity and digital divide.
• Impact:
– Influences social policy, reservation debates, and resource allocation.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Facts & Provisions:
– Census Act, 1948 provides statutory backing to Census operations.
– Section 8(2): Mandates truthful responses by citizens.
– Census conducted by Registrar General & Census Commissioner under MHA.
• Definitions & Concepts:
– Enumerator: Person appointed to collect Census data.
– Official Gazette: Legal publication for government notifications.
• Static + Conceptual Linkages:
– Census as a tool of democratic governance.
– Role of data in social justice and inclusive development.
• Way Forward:
– Ensure data privacy safeguards and cybersecurity.
– Build public trust through transparency.
– Use caste data responsibly for equity-driven policies, avoiding political misuse.
– Capacity building of enumerators and digital infrastructure.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS 2: Polity, Governance, Role of Institutions
• GS 1: Indian Society, Social Structure, Caste Issues